Andrew Forrest

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Do You Understand the Gentile Controversy?

The so-called Gentile controversy is the most important topic in the New Testament books that are not the Gospels. The Gentile controversy is what Bible scholars call the debate in the early church over whether you had to become a Jew before you could become a Christian.

I’d like to post tomorrow an explainer of the controversy, but I’d like to hear your questions first so I can know what to be sure and address.

Why is it such a big deal that Peter meets with Cornelius? What is the point of the vision with the sheet and the animals? What is the difference between the Old and the New Covenants? Why did some Christians think you had to become a Jew first? Etc.

Put your thoughts and questions in the comments, or else reply to this email.


Today’s reading: Acts 10:34-48.